Apple's operatic opus

Following last year's The Comeback, and 2021's Nian, along with four other films stretching back to 2018, Apple has released its Chinese New Year film for 2023.

Called Through the Five Passes, the 16 minute film, which was shot entirely on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max, is a stylish and beautiful story about the core Chinese virtue of resilience and one man’s perseverance in keeping the art of Chinese opera alive.

Created once again by TBWA\Media Arts Lab Shanghai and directed by Venice Film Festival-award-winning director, Peng Fei, the film is set during 1987 where Gu, a dedicated Chinese opera performer, waits backstage ahead of his big performance in Through the Five Passes. As he chats with some of the other entertainers who left the Chinese opera to pursue contemporary dance and songwriting, he has flashbacks to the struggles he has overcome while dedicating his life to the traditional art. 

As he is about to go on stage, the theatre's manager reduces the opera's hour-long performance to just five minutes, causing the troupe to leave in disgust. Despite this, Gu is empowered by his hardships and determined to perform. 

The film closes with a dedication to the individuals and minor communities practicing the arts of Chinese opera in modern China, an art which is a key part of Chinese New Year traditions, tracing back to the first dynasty of Imperial China. 

Accompanying the film is a separate behind the scenes look at how it was made, also shot on iPhone.